The Boys’ Love (BL) hype surely is making its way onto our shores. Not here to burst the bubble but here are a few cents that I think you should know. (a thread)

The BL genre takes its roots from works of fiction abt male homosexuality originally created by women, for women (1960s). By 1970s, Japanese culture takes the lead calling it “yaoi” content- beautiful boys & their homoerotic storyline. Yep, girls ang original target audience nya.

Eventually, this genre reached Thailand w/ “Love of Siam” (2007) as a Trojan Horse packaged in the trailers as a hetero romcom that eventually had a gay turn. The film's success landed Mario Maurer as an international superstar w/ lots of girls & gay fans. AY DZAI MARIO!!!

ang side chika pa ng mga og fans: nagulat daw ang mga thai sa sinehan nung biglang naglipchukan na hahahaha

eventually the fangirls and gays fought for it. ikaw ba naman pakiligin nila Tong and Mew pota hahahaha erich who charot

Clearly, the thai BL series are attempting to replicate the Mario Maurer magic, a good promise for cute guys who may or may not be gay (oo baka str8 sila & guilty pleasure din naman yan ng maraming bakla). It prolly pays well too, with the traction it’s getting from Pink economy.

There are a lot of rationale/critiques on the BL genre. Some argue that it’s naturally women’s objectification of men (transgression). Some say it’s heteronormative bec there’s always a TOP/masc & a BOTTOM/fem; or that it's improper representation for gays. But it's not all bad.

BL is not necessarily a bad thing. It provides an avenue for us to tell our stories. Gay people have had the opportunity to create BL content & has put good messages across. It undeniably puts forth a more palatable queer story for the general public. But it has to do more.

How “yaoi” evolved to BL actually makes sense. “Yaoi” is an acronym that means “no climax, no punch line, no meaning”. Prolly because it nullifies itself away from the usual hetero romance. Now it's simply a paradox where the meaningless has started to have meaning. Wuw ganern.

BL has evolved & has taken a life of its own. Yes we're grateful for the kilig. But it should be made not just to satisfy pleasure, but to tell our stories, provide better representation, & promote acceptance for the gay community. To tell that our Love is LOVE & that it's VALID.